Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to Washington signals a continued US commitment to Saudi Arabia and its role in fostering regional stability, according to analysts. The visit, the first in seven years, involved discussions with President Trump on critical regional issues including the situations in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, as well as the Iranian nuclear program.
During a joint press conference, President Trump affirmed his intention to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, stating it would not upset Israel and would be a step towards Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords. This would make Saudi Arabia the only nation in the region, besides Israel, to possess these advanced aircraft, reflecting the US view of Riyadh as a key pillar of Middle Eastern stability.
This move underscores the unwavering US commitment to the Kingdom. Analysts suggest that Saudi recognition of Israel, should it occur, would represent a significant political victory. Beyond the potential F-35 deal, the Crown Prince’s pledge to increase Saudi investments in the United States from $600 billion to a trillion dollars further demonstrates the strong ties between the two nations.
A Concrete Step
This potential arms deal represents a tangible step by the US to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s security, rather than simply sending symbolic signals. It also suggests a consensus among key regional players, including the UAE and Qatar, on the importance of promoting regional stability. The discussions held during the visit highlight a shared understanding of the need to address various issues through diplomacy rather than military escalation.
Shared Security Concerns
The visit covered a range of topics, including shared interests, security concerns, and potential agreements on security architecture, military cooperation, and economic partnerships. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape the future of US-Saudi relations and their joint efforts to address regional challenges.
